ABSTRACT
We report the first proteomics analyses of the venoms of two poorly studied snakes, the Manabi hognosed pitviper Porthidium arcosae endemic to the western coastal province of Manabí (Ecuador), and the Costa Rican hognosed pitviper P. volcanicum with distribution restricted to South Pacific Costa Rica and western Panamá. These venom proteomes share a conserved compositional pattern reported in four other congeneric species within the clade of South American Porthidium species, P. nasutum, P. lansbergii, P. ophryomegas, and P. porrasi. The paraspecific immunorecognition profile of antivenoms produced in Costa Rica (ICP polyvalent), Perú (Instituto Nacional de Salud) and Brazil (soro antibotrópico pentavalente, SAB, from Instituto Butantan) against the venom of P. arcosae was investigated through a third-generation antivenomics approach. The maximal venom-binding capacities of the investigated antivenoms were 97.1 mg, 21.8 mg, and 25.7 mg of P. arcosae venom proteins per gram of SAB, ICP, and INS-PERU antibody molecules, respectively, which translate into 28.4 mg, 13.1 mg, and 15.2 mg of total venom proteins bound per vial of SAB, ICP, and INS-PERU AV. The antivenomics results suggest that 21.8%, 7.8% and 6.1% of the SAB, ICP, and INS-PERU antibody molecules recognized P. arcosae venom toxins. The SAB antivenom neutralized P. arcosae venom's lethality in mice with an ED50 of 31.3 mgV/g SAB AV. This preclinical neutralization paraspecificity points to Brazilian SAB as a promising candidate for the treatment of envenomings by Ecuadorian P. arcosae. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Assessing the preclinical efficacy profile of antivenoms against homologous and heterologous medically relevant snake venoms represents an important goal towards defining the biogeographic range of their clinical utility. This is particularly relevant in regions, such as Mesoamerica, where a small number of pharmaceutical companies produce antivenoms against the venoms of a small number of species of maximum medical relevance among the local rich herpetofauna, leaving a wide range of snakes of secondary medical relevance, but also causing life-threatening human envenomings without nominal clinical coverage. This work is part of a larger project aiming at mapping the immunological characteristics of antivenoms generated in Latin American countries towards venoms of such poorly studied snakes of the local and neighboring countries' herpetofauna. Here we report the proteomics characterization of the Manabi hognosed pitviper Porthidium arcosae endemic to the western coastal province of Manabí (Ecuador), and the Costa Rican hognosed pitviper P. volcanicum with distribution restricted to southwestern Costa Rica, the antivenomics assessment of three bothropoid commercial antivenoms produced in Costa Rica, Perú, and Brazil against the venom components of P. arcosae, and the in vivo capacity of the Brazilian soro antibotrópico pentavalente (SAB) from Instituto Butantan to neutralize the murine lethality of P. arcosae venom. The preclinical paraspecific ED50 of 31.3 mg of P. arcosae venom per gram of antivenom points to Brazilian SAB as a promising candidate for the treatment of envenomings by the Manabi hognosed pitviper P. arcosae.
Subject(s)
Crotalid Venoms , Crotalinae , Animals , Antivenins , Mice , Proteome , Proteomics , Snake VenomsABSTRACT
A novel functional drink with nutraceutical properties was formulated from the aqueous extracts of Ilex guayusa, and Vernonanthura patens leaves, and cocoa husks. This juice contains various bioactive compounds, such as phenolic compounds and methylxanthines, with antioxidant and stimulant properties of pharmacological interest. However, it is known whether herbal extracts' interaction may have adverse toxic effects on human health. To evaluate this functional drink's innocuity, we estimated the acute oral toxicity (AOT) in experimental mice. This paper presents the AOT evaluation of two formulations of a functional drink (pre-formulation and microencapsulation) at a single dose of 2000 mg/kg of body weight (b.w.). No signs of adverse toxicity and mortality were observed after a single oral dose of 2000 mg/kg b.w. Likewise, no significant body and organ weight changes, food and water consumption behavior, and no histopathological changes were observed in the main organs evaluated. In conclusion, this functional drink can be categorized as low toxicity " according to the Globally Harmonized Classification System (GHS), making it a potential beverage with high nutritional and pharmacological value.
ABSTRACT
Snakebite envenoming is a neglected disease of public health concern. Most snakebite accidents occur in developing countries. In Ecuador, 17 viper species are responsible for 99% of official accidents, and ten species are in critical conservation states. This report analyzes the snakebite incident cases and mortality rates in Ecuador between 2014 and 2019. The data obtained from the national surveillance system suggests that the incidence and mortality rates remained constant. The geographic region with the highest incidence rates is the Amazonian region. National policies are urgently needed to prevent snakebite accidents and to protect snakes in danger of extinction.
ABSTRACT
Introducción: La leucemia linfoblásticaaguda (LLA) es una de las oncopatologías más frecuentes a nivel infantil, ocupando el primer lugar de los cincos tipos de cáncer con mayor incidencia en Ecuador. El objetivodel estudio fue determinar las frecuencias genotípicas y alélicas delos polimorfismos genéticos de MTHFR 677C>T (rs1801133) y MTHFR 1298A>C(rs1801131) en niños con leucemia linfoblástica aguda de SOLCA Loja y SOLCA Cuenca. Métodos:Es un estudio transversal, donde se evaluó a 160 pacientes pediátricosdiagnosticados con LLA. La detección de lospolimorfismos MTHFR 677C>T y 1298A>C se realizó mediante la técnica PCR entiempo real. El análisis estadístico descriptivo se desarrolló a través del software IBM SPSS (versión 22) y el programa bioinformático SNPStats. Resultados: Se determinóque las frecuencias genotípicas para el SNP MTHFR 677C>T fueron 25% C/C y 75%C/T con una frecuencia alélica del 38% para el alelo mutado (T). Para el SNP MTHFR1298 A>C se encontró una frecuencia genotípica de 2% A/A, 16% A/C y 82% C/C, entanto que su frecuencia alélica fue del 90% para el alelo mutado (C). No se encontróasociación genotípica ni alélica con ninguna de las variables intervinientes (p>0.05),así como tampoco se manifestó una correlación estadísticamente significativa de lospolimorfismos en mención y el tipo de riesgo de LLA. Conclusión:En la población estudiada con LLA, se evidenció para el SNP de MTHFR 677C>T una frecuencia genotípica del 75% para el heterocigoto C/T. Para el SNP MTHFR 1298A>C se encontró una frecuencia genotípica del 82% para el homocigoto mutado C/C. La distribución de la frecuencia alélica se mostró de la siguiente manera: para MTHFR 677C>T se obtuvo 38% para el alelo mutado T y en cuanto a MTHFR 1298 A>C, 90% correspondió para el alelo mutado C. En el análisis estadístico no se encontró asociación genotípica ni alélica con las variablesdemográficas y clínicas
Introduction:Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is one of the most frequent oncopathologiesin childhood, occupying the first place of the five types of cancer with the highest incidence in Ecuador. The objective of the study was to determine the genotypic and allelic frequencies of the genetic polymorphisms of MTHFR 677C> T (rs1801133) and MTHFR 1298A> C (rs1801131) in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia from SOLCA -Loja and SOLCA -Cuenca. Methods: It is a cross-sectional study, where 160 pediatric patients diagnosed with ALL were evaluated. The detection of MTHFR 677C> T and 1298A> C polymorphisms was performed using the real-time PCR technique. The descriptive statistical analysis was developed using the IBM SPSS software (version 22) and the SNPStats bioinformatics program. Results: It was determined that the genotype frequencies for the SNP MTHFR 677C> T were 25% C / C and 75% C / T with an allele frequency of 38% for the mutated allele (T). For the SNP MTHFR 1298 A> C, a genotype frequency of 2% A / A, 16% A / C and 82% C / C was found, while its allelic frequency was 90% for the mutated allele (C). No genotypic or allelic association was found with any of the intervening variables (p> 0.05), as well as no statistically significant correlation of the mentioned polymorphisms and the type of risk of ALL. Conclusion: In the population studied with ALL, a genotypic frequency of 75% was evidenced for the MTHFR 677C> T SNP for the heterozygous C / T. For the SNP MTHFR 1298A> C, a genotypic frequency of 82% was found for the homozygous mutated C / C. The allelic frequency distribution was shown as follows: for MTHFR 677C> T, 38% was obtained for the mutated allele T and for MTHFR 1298 A> C, 90% corresponded to the mutated allele C. In the statistical analysis No genotypic or allelic association was found with demographic and clinical variables
Subject(s)
Humans , Polymorphism, Genetic , Leukemia, Biphenotypic, Acute , Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-LymphomaABSTRACT
Bothrops asper and Bothrops atrox are important venomous snakes from Ecuador responsible for the most of ophidic accidents, which in the past were treated with a national polyvant antivenom. For years, the venom pools were collected and stored at room temperature in a laboratory. Taking into account the controversial ability of desiccated samples to retain their biological effects and enzymatic activities, we investigated the biochemical and toxicological properties of venoms after years of storage. The proteomic profiles of historical venoms analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography and electrophoresis are very similar. The fresh batches of venom were more lethal than those stored for years, just as the initial and current LD50 values of these samples changed. Significant differences were showed in the myotoxic and hemorrhagic activity of some venom pools, while no significant statistical differences were found for the edema activity. The enzymatic assays revealed a variation in proteolytic activity on azocasein and phospholipase A2 activity, and low differences were reported for thrombin-like serine protease activity. The maintenance of the proteomic profile and certain toxicological activities convert this venom library in a valuable source for research purposes. Nonetheless, the significative reduction of toxicological activities, such as hemorrhagic activity not feasible using these samples for the antivenom production.
Subject(s)
Crotalid Venoms/chemistry , Animals , Bothrops/metabolism , Desiccation , Ecuador , Enzyme Stability , Lethal Dose 50 , Male , Mice , Proteomics , Specimen HandlingABSTRACT
Pharmacogenomics is an emergent field aimed at tailoring pharmacological therapy. Genetic polymorphisms can modify the expression and function of enzymes and proteins involved in drug metabolism, affecting absorption, distribution, biotransformation and excretion as well as the drug-target interaction. Therefore, the presence of allelic variants will classify people as poor, extensive or rapid/ultra rapid metabolizers, modifying drug efficacy and safety. In this work, the state of art in relation to this discipline is presented and the genetic variants of enzymes that are involved in drug pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics are described. The effects of these variants on the therapeutic response to drugs used in our country are also discussed.
Subject(s)
Drug Administration Schedule , Pharmacogenetics , Polymorphism, Genetic/genetics , HumansABSTRACT
Pharmacogenomics is an emergent field aimed at tailoring pharmacological therapy. Genetic polymorphisms can modify the expression and function of enzymes and proteins involved in drug metabolism, affecting absorption, distribution, biotransformation and excretion as well as the drug-target interaction. Therefore, the presence of allelic variants will classify people as poor, extensive or rapid/ultra rapid metabolizers, modifying drug efficacy and safety. In this work, the state of art in relation to this discipline is presented and the genetic variants of enzymes that are involved in drug pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics are described. The effects of these variants on the therapeutic response to drugs used in our country are also discussed.
Subject(s)
Humans , Pharmacogenetics , Polymorphism, Genetic/genetics , Drug Administration ScheduleABSTRACT
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a frequent neoplasia occurring in children. The most commonly used drug for the treatment of ALL is methotrexate (MTX), an anti-folate agent. Previous studies suggest that folate transporters play a role in ALL prognosis and that genetic polymorphism of genes encoding folate transporters may increase the risk of ALL. Therefore, the main goal of this study was to determine the associations among six genetic polymorphisms in four genes related with the folate transporter pathway to determine a relationship with the occurrence of ALL in Mexican children. A case-control study was performed in 73 ALL children and 133 healthy children from Northern and Northwestern Mexico. COL18A1 (rs2274808), SLC19A1 (rs2838956), ABCB1 (rs1045642 and rs1128503), and ABCC5 (rs9838667 and rs3792585). Polymorphisms were assayed through qPCR. Our results showed an increased ALL risk in children carrying CT genotype (OR = 2.55, CI 95% 1.11-5.83, p = 0.0001) and TT genotype (OR = 21.05, CI 95% 5.62-78.87, p < 0.0001) of COL18A1 rs2274808; in SLC19A1 rs2838956 AG carriers (OR = 44.69, CI 95% 10.42-191.63, p = 0.0001); in ABCB1 rs1045642 TT carriers (OR = 13.76, CI 95% 5.94-31.88, p = 0.0001); in ABCC5 rs9838667 AC carriers (OR = 2.61, CI 95% 1.05-6.48, p < 0.05); and in ABCC5 rs3792585 CC carriers (OR = 9.99, CI 95% 3.19-31.28, p = 0.004). Moreover, several combinations of genetic polymorphisms were found to be significantly associated with a risk for ALL. Finally, two combinations of ABCC5 polymorphisms resulted in protection from this neoplasia. In conclusion, certain genetic polymorphisms related to the folate transport pathway, particularly COL18A1 rs2274808, SLC19A1 rs2838956, ABCB1 rs1045642, and ABCC5 rs3792585, were associated with an increased risk for ALL in Mexican children.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is one of the most frequent oncological disorders in pediatric populations. To date, the drug of choice for the treatment of ALL is methotrexate, a drug associated with a high risk of adverse reactions (ADRs). The xanthine oxidase (XO) polymorphisms, 1936A>G and 2107A>G, as well as the polymorphic variants derived from ATP-binding cassette transporter gene subfamilies, ABCB1 and ABCC5, of drug resistant codifying genes, are implicated as precursors of drug-related neurologic, hepatic, and renal toxicities. Our aim was to determine whether the mentioned polymorphisms are risk or protective factors for the development of adverse reactions by methotrexate in our pediatric population with ALL. METHODS: A total of 35 Mexican children from Centro Estatal de Cancerología-Durango, Mexico, with ALL and the previously noted polymorphisms as determined qPCR were studied. At the same time, a 12-month drug monitoring program was conducted in accordance with WHO-PAHO guidelines for pharmacovigilance. RESULTS: The ABCB11936A>G and 2107A>G and ABCC5 3414+434A>C polymorphisms were not associated with methotrexate ADRs. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of ABCB1 1236C>T (OR 0.19, 95% CI: 0.03-0.9, p<0.05) and ABCC5 3933+313T>C (OR 0.12, 95% CI: 0.027-0.58, p<0.05) were associated with methotrexate ADRs. CONCLUSIONS: SNPs 1236C>T of ABCB1 and ABCC5 3933+313T>C are not associated with the development of typical ADRs by methotrexate, rather, they showed a protective factor for myelosuppression in the studied sick population.
Subject(s)
Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic/adverse effects , Methotrexate/adverse effects , Multidrug Resistance-Associated Proteins/genetics , Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide , Xanthine Oxidase/genetics , ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B/genetics , ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B/metabolism , Adolescent , Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic/administration & dosage , Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic/therapeutic use , Cancer Care Facilities , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Genetic Association Studies , Humans , Maintenance Chemotherapy/adverse effects , Male , Methotrexate/administration & dosage , Methotrexate/therapeutic use , Mexico , Multidrug Resistance-Associated Proteins/metabolism , Myelopoiesis/drug effects , Pharmacovigilance , Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/drug therapy , Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/enzymology , Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/genetics , Prospective Studies , Xanthine Oxidase/metabolismABSTRACT
Antecedentes: La leucemia linfoblástica aguda (LLA) es un padecimiento oncológico importante en la población pediátrica mexicana, cuya base genética pudiera modificar la efectividad de la quimioterapia del antifolato metotrexato (MTX) y el tiempo de sobrevida libre de enfermedad y la sobrevida total. Objetivo: Determinar la asociación de 10 polimorfismos genéticos de la vía del folato: en transportadores celulares (COL18A1, SLC19A1, ABCB1 y ABCC5) y las enzimas folilpoliglutamil sintetasa (FPGS) y xantina oxidasa (XO), con la sobrevida de los niños con leucemia linfoblástica aguda. Métodos: En el Centro Estatal de Cancerología de Durango- México, se estudiaron 39 niños con leucemia linfoblástica aguda tratados con MTX y 102 controles sin la enfermedad, a quienes mediante qPCR, se les determinaron 10 polimorfismos en la vía del folato. Durante 5 años de seguimiento se determinó la sobrevida libre de enfermedad y la sobrevida total, y su relación con su genotipo. Resultados: Cuatro polimorfismos no estuvieron en equilibrio de Hardy-Weinberg COL18A1 (rs2274808), ABCC5 (rs9838667 y rs3792585) y XO (rs17011368). Únicamente el rs17011368 de XO se asoció con riesgo de estar presente en los pacientes con leucemia linfoblástica aguda cuyo OR fue 9.771(IC95% 4.974-19.196, p=0,001). El FPGS (rs1544105) afectó la sobrevida libre de enfermedad y la sobrevida total (Log Rank p<0.05). Conclusiones: El polimorfismo (rs17011368) de la XO presentó riesgo para leucemia linfoblástica aguda; así mismo, se encontró una asociación importante entre los portadores del polimorfismo FPGS (rs1544105) que modificaría la sobrevidas de los pacientes tratados con MTX.
Background: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a major cancer disease in Mexican pediatric population, were the genotype could affect the effectiveness of chemotherapy in which the methotrexate (MTX) is involved and consequently the time of disease free survival and overall survival. Objective: Determine the association of 10 genetic polymorphisms of the folate pathway: in cellular carriers (COL18A1, SLC19A1, ABCB1 and ABCC5) and in enzymes such as folylpolyglutamate synthetase (FPGS) and xanthine oxidase (XO), with survival of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Methods: Thirtynine children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia from the State Cancer Center in Durango (Mexico) treated with MTX and 102 healthy controls, were qPCR analyzed for 10 polymorphisms in the folate pathway. During 5 years of follow up, the disease-free survival and overall survival rates were investigated in relation with their genotypes. Results: Four polymorphisms were not found in Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium COL18A1 (rs2274808), ABCC5 (rs9838667 and rs3792585) and XO (rs170113685). Only XO (rs170113685) was associated with risk of being present in patients with ALL whose odds ratio was 9.771 (95% 4.974-19.196, p=0.001). The polymorphism rs1544105 for FPGS affected disease free survival and overall survival (Log Rank test p<0.05). Conclusion: Polymorphism (rs17011368) of XO showed risk association for acute lymphoblastic leukemia; likewise, an important association was found between carriers of the FPGS (rs1544105) and increased survival times of patients treated with methotrexate.
